Independent Retailers Meet Minister

A delegation of local retailers - represented by their trade association, the NI Independent Retailers Trade Association (NIIRTA) - have held talks with the Stormont Food Minister.

They met Michelle Gildernew this week in a delegation led by Chief Executive, Glyn Roberts, Chairman Paddy Doody and President, Paul Stewart.

At the meeting, NIIRTA briefed the Minister on its support for local farmers and producers through their local sourcing policies and for the Rural White Paper and Rural Champion strategies.

Following the meeting, the Minister said: "As local Agriculture Minister, I am very committed to facilitating better linkages between the various parts of the food chain. As part of this process, I have encouraged retailers to work more closely with the agri-food industry and to take account of increased input costs faced by producers.

"In this respect, NIIRTA has shown its commitment to the local farming communities through its members' local sourcing policies. These will contribute to a more sustainable agri-food industry in the north of Ireland," she said.

"Local supply chains are vital to our economy and I am very keen to expand and enhance them. Increasing co-operation regarding sourcing is in everyone’s interests and I will continue to support the local food chain in any way I can."

Following the meeting, Glyn Roberts commented: "This was a very productive meeting with Minister Gildernew where we stressed our members’ ongoing commitment to supporting local farmers and producers by sourcing nearly 100% local meat and poultry.

"The independent food retail sector is a vital route to market for many farmers and producers and we would urge the Executive as a whole to ensure that they give every support to the sector."

Mr Roberts added: "It is also important that our members have an input into the Rural White Paper and Rural Champion strategies, as many of them are the backbone of the rural economy and make a valuable contribution to many rural communities.

"We indicated to the Minister our support for her approach and the willingness to be involved in this process," he concluded.

(BMcC/GK)